The Speckled BandCeiling VentilatorQuestionsSir Arthur Conan DoyleSymbolismCreatures from India - strange, dangerous, evilIndia was thought to be "Godless" or pagan, which may have rubbed off on the Doctor while he was there, bringing back an evil sickness that eventually leads to his downfallMother - protectionThe daughters are protected from their abusive stepfather until she dies, at which point they are left at his mercy The Sherlock StructureA case is brought to Sherlock HolmesTypically very strange Sherlock and Watson go to the site of the disturbance and take a look aroundThe reader sees what is going on through Watson's eyes, and you get the feeling that you are missing somethingSherlock develops a plan to catch the criminal and he and Watson lie in wait until they catch the criminalA short time after the case is solved, Sherlock explains to Watson and the reader how he solved the crime. The story begins with Helen Stoner arriving at Sherlock Holmes' house early in the morning. She explains her situation with her stepfather, Dr. Roylott, and her twin sisters mysterious death just days before her marriage. She recounts her sister speaking of a hissing sound, a slam or bang and saying "the speckled band!" before her death. After this, she explains she is now sleeping in her sisters room and is hearing the same sounds her sister did. Her terror leads her to Sherlock Holmes to help her find whom/what murdered her sister and why. Doyle's Most Notable WorksThe Sherlock Holmes Adventures (compilation of short stories)The Mystery of CoomberNarrative of John Smith (2011)The Captain of the Pole-StarMary CelesteThe Lost WorldProfessor ChallengerThemesGood Vs. Evil

Greed

Karma

Chivalry

Don't jump to conclusionsBorn irish catholic, a wealthy uncle funded his christian school education. After his first year in college he denounced faith and became AtheistParents seperated for 3 years because of dad's alcoholism, sepearting the family across Edinbourough, no worries they got back together!Went to medical school at University of EdinburoughAfter private practice failed he studied and became an opthmologist(5/22/1859-7/7/1930)In his down time is when he chose to write his stories, poems, plays.His first published work was "Sassass Valley"Follwed by a medical publication on "Gelsemium as a Poison"After graduating med school he became a Dr on a whaling ship the Hope of PeterheadThen worked on the SS Mayumba as their surgeon Dr. WatsonHolmes' sidekick, roommate, and friend. Intellectual, not as observant, very protective of HolmesDr. RoylottLonely mean old manEccentricThe bell-ropeMurder WeaponsSherlock and Watson agree to meet Helen later that evening because her stepfather will be out of the house. After Helen leaves, her stepfather storms in demanding to know what she told them. Sherlock finds his anger somewhat comical and laughs off the threats he gives, although he worries for Helen's safety, as she had bruises from her stepfathers brutality. Holmes and Watson examine the room where Helen's twin sister was murdered. Holmes found it strange that there is a dummy bell-pull next to the bed, a ventilator above the bell-pull, and that the bed is secured to the floor. The group goes into Dr. Roylott's room where Holmes examines the desk chair and a safe in the room. After this investigation, Holmes and Watson have Helen sleep in her old room despite the remodeling and to signal them when she leaves the room so they may catch the attempted murder in the act. Once Holmes and Watson are in the bedroom, they stay awake in order to stay alive. They hear a hissing sound, and Holmes starts beating madly at the bell-pull with his cane. After hearing a scream come from the stepfather's chambers, they go and see the truth behind the murders. Dr. Roylott had an exotic snake that look liked a speckled band around his head, which was very poisonous and he had used to murder, but which killed him after being beaten by Holmes. "Violence does, in truth, recoil around the violent, and the schemer falls into the pit which he digs for another.""He had a passion also for Indian animals"."What a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated with the outside air!""It goes to the housekeeper's room."

"Why, it's a dummy". What did you think the speckled band was at the beginning of the story?Why do you think the murder was so elaborate?Why did Dr. Roylott approve both engagements if he didn't want the twins to marry in the first place?What was Dr. Roylott's motive?Susan Hileman, Stacy Flanery & Grace Diaz